Netgear RangeMax DGN3500 review

Netgear’s DGN3500 is a neatly designed Wireless N router that works well, but could still be a little more Mac friendly.

by
Cliff Joseph| 23 Jun 10

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What is A + B?

802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi router

WPA

WPS

Smart Wizard software

223x153x31mm

500g

Rating

Price

RRP: £110 inc VAT

Pros

Compact design

USB port for sharing storage devices

Cons

Setup software doesn’t run on Macs

Netgear RangeMax DGN3500 review

Netgear’s DGN3500 is a neatly designed Wireless N router that works well, but could still be a little more Mac friendly.

Like Apple’s AirPort routers, the DGN3500 uses internal antennae to transmit a wireless signal. That gives it a slimline design and it can be laid flat or turned on its side, so it takes up hardly any space at all. It provides four Gigabit Ethernet ports for additional wired connections, plus a USB port that allows you to share a hard drive on your network. There’s also a dedicated network for guests with restricted access, so no need to share your own security password.

Our one complaint is that Netgear’s Smart Wizard software is PC-only. This means Mac users have to wade through a long PDF manual that explains how to set up the router through its browser interface. Once you get to the browser interface there is a straightforward Setup option, but this approach could still be a bit confusing for ordinary home users who are setting up a router for the first time.

Like Apple’s AirPort routers, the DGN3500 uses internal antennae to transmit a wireless signal. That gives it a slimline design and it can be laid flat or turned on its side, so it takes up hardly any space at all. It provides four Gigabit Ethernet ports for additional wired connections, plus a USB port that allows you to share a hard drive on your network. There’s also a dedicated network for guests with restricted access, so no need to share your own security password.

OUR VERDICT

Our one complaint is that Netgear’s Smart Wizard software is PC-only. This means Mac users have to wade through a long PDF manual that explains how to set up the router through its browser interface. Once you get to the browser interface there is a straightforward Setup option, but this approach could still be a bit confusing for ordinary home users who are setting up a router for the first time.